Photo: Five top prospects for the 2016 NHL Draft were the guests of the NHL during the Stanley Cup Final, with forwards (L-R) Pierre-Luc Dubois, Auston Matthews, Matthew Tkachuk, Patrik Laine, and Alexander Nylander taking Game Four in San Jose (courtesy of Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

While the 2016 NHL Draft lacks some of the drama that was provided leading up to last year’s draft, when Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel vied for the right to go first overall, there is nevertheless some very good talent to be had at the top of this year’s event. And even beyond the top 5, NHL clubs drafting in the first round should be able to land some good talent that will almost certainly suit up for NHL action in the not too distant future. Read more»

Photo: Tampa Bay Lightning second round pick Nikita Kucherov is one of three Russian players the team selected in the 2011 NHL Draft that has become a valued member of the franchise. (courtesty Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire)

The Tampa Bay Lightning made some bold picks in the 2011 NHL Draft, selecting a trio of Russians with the first three of its six picks. Russian players have been selected more frequently in recent years, but 2011 wasn’t a banner year for the country as teams were reluctant to select its young players without assurances; only nine Russians were picked in the seven-round draft. Read more»

Photo: Minnesota Wild forward prospect Kirill Kaprizov (R) competed for Team Russia at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, where Russia won silver after falling in overtime to Finland in the gold medal game (courtesy of MARKKU ULANDER/AFP/Getty Images)

The KHL continues to produce good players at a good pace, but nowadays there are more players moving to North America than before, therefore leaving the KHL with a slightly inferior number of drafted prospects than before. Read more»

Photo: Seattle Thunderbirds forward and New York Islanders prospect Mathew Barzal had his best offensive season in his WHL career in 2015-16, posting 27 goals and 88 points in 58 games (courtesy of Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)

There are many different kinds of centers; those who primarily excel offensively and those who contribute in other ways to the success of their respective teams. One of the biggest challenges across major junior hockey is taking into consideration the versatility of many top forwards. It is not uncommon for the best players down the middle to take a few turns on the wing on a regular basis. Read more»

Photo: Karpat Oulu forward and Carolina Hurricanes prospect Sebastian Aho (#16) turned in a strong 2015-16 season, winning gold at the U20 World Junior Championship and finishing among the top scorers in Liiga (courtesy of Karpat Oulu/Champions Hockey League via Getty Images)

If there was a theme to the season in Liiga in 2015-16 it can best be described by the old adage, “Youth shall be served.”

Much of the attention focused on 17-year-olds Patrik Laine and Jesse Puljujarvi — who barring any major surprises will be among the top three players picked in the 2016 NHL Draft. In terms of drafted forward prospects, three of their teammates on the gold medal champion U20 team also had big seasons and could be signing NHL contracts in the near future. Read more»